Blender base with food processor capabilities

ABSTRACT

A blender base that may be used with a food processor container, a blender container, and a single use beverage container. The blender container includes a novel blade unit having a food processor-style blade and blender type blades. Programs with preprogrammed motor commands for desired operations are stored in memory and may be selected by a user on a user interface. The user interface may include a liquid crystal display, or function switches and light emitting diodes. Upon selection of a particular pre-defined function, the microcontroller retrieves the appropriate program from the read only memory and specifies the preprogrammed motor commands to accomplish the selected function.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates generally to household appliances,and more particularly to blenders and food processors.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Blenders are household devices often used to blend or mix drinksor liquids. On the other hand, food processors are household devicescommonly used to chop, cut, slice, and/or mix various solid foods suchas vegetables, fruits, or meats. Different blade designs and rotationspeeds are used in a blender or a food processor in order to accomplishthe mixing or cutting actions desired.

[0003] Conventional household blenders typically have a motor connectedto a blade assembly, and the speed of the rotating blade or motor may bevaried based on selections made by the user.

[0004] For example, U.S. Pat. No. 3,678,288 to Swanke et al. describes ablender having seven speed selection push buttons. The push-buttonsdrive slider elements that close switches so as to selectively energizevarious combinations of fields in a drive motor having multiple fields.Field selection provides seven speeds in a high range. Seven speeds in alow range are obtained by applying only half cycles of the AC energizingvoltage to the motor when certain combinations of the switches areactuated. Once a speed selection push button is depressed, the motor isenergized until an OFF switch is actuated. The device also has a joggeror pulse mode pushbutton that energizes the motor at one speed only aslong as the pushbutton is depressed. Pulsing the motor on/off or at highand then low speeds permits the material being blended to fall back tothe region of the cutting knives thereby improving the blending ormixing of the material.

[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 3,951,351 to Ernster et al. describes a blenderhaving a rotary switch for selecting a high or low range of speeds andfive pushbutton switches for selecting a speed within the selectedrange. The pushbutton switches connect various segments of the motorfield winding in the energizing circuit. This device also includes apulse mode pushbutton that causes energization of the motor only as longas the pushbutton is depressed. The motor may be energized in the pulsemode at any selected speed.

[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 3,548,280 to Cockroft describes a blender providedwith 10 speed selection switches. A SCR is connected in series with themotor and has a control electrode connected to resistances that arebrought into the electrode circuit by actuation of the speed selectionswitches to control the angle of firing of the SCR and thus the speed ofthe motor. This device also has a mode selection switch for selectingthe manual mode or a cycling or pulse mode in which the motor isalternately energized and deenergized over a plurality of cycles, thenumber of cycles being set by a potentiometer controlled by a rotatableknob. In a preferred embodiment, the on and off intervals are set duringmanufacture but two potentiometers may be provided to enable an operatorto vary the on and off times.

[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 5,347,205 to Piland describes a blender with amicrocontroller for controlling energization of the blender drive motor.The speed of the motor is determined by a manual selection of N-speedrange selection switches, M speed selection switches, and a pulse modeswitch.

[0008] Typically, the blade attachment in conventional blenders consistsof two generally U-shaped blades, a top blade and a bottom blade, joinedtogether at a central point with their respective ends oriented inopposite directions. Because of this blender blade design, conventionalblenders usually are not able to successfully chop, slice, or cut solidfood because solid food does not flow into the U-shaped blades withoutadding liquid. Although the solids may make some contact with theblades, typically at least some liquid must be added to the blender inorder to successfully liquefy or cut the solid food into very smallpieces.

[0009] Another drawback with blenders is the number of differentoperations that must be performed to successfully blend a mixture.Typically, to blend or mix items in a blender, a user will press asequence of buttons on the blender. For example, to chop ice, a user mayhit a slow button, wait a while, hit a faster speed, wait, hit yet afaster speed, etc. The user may have to stop the blending process todislodge ice or to assure the ice is coming into contact with theblades. This process can be very frustrating, and with conventionalblenders may still result in an unsatisfactory chopping or blending ofthe items in the blender.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a blenderis provided that is programmed to accomplish predetermined functions androutines. The routines are preprogrammed into a microcontroller of theblender and include motor commands that are automatically accessed andimplemented upon selection of a desired function. For example, theblender may be preprogrammed with a plurality of routines designed forparticular food or drink items, such as by taking a particular sequenceof motor commands (e.g., direction of rotation, speed, duration or timeof rotation, etc.) which are automatically implemented based on thefunction (e.g., end result) selected by the user.

[0011] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a blenderincludes a blender base, a container, and a blade base having a bladeunit mounted thereon. The blender base includes a motor, amicrocontroller, a sensor, and a user interface. The microcontroller isin communication with the motor, and user interface, and can includeread only memory, nonvolatile memory, and a central processing unit. Theprograms with preprogrammed motor commands are stored in the read onlymemory.

[0012] The motor is preferably operable to rotate the blade unit inforward and reverse directions, and to oscillate the blade unit asdesired. In a preferred embodiment, the motor is a dual wound motor, butother configurations may be used.

[0013] The connection between a shaft for the motor and the blade basemay be implemented in a number of ways, but preferably is formed by amale to female connection. In accordance with one aspect of the presentinvention, both the female and male connection pieces are made of metal.This connection permits a close tolerance fit, as well as a low wearconnection. To prevent shock to a user, in accordance with anotheraspect of the present invention, an insulating bushing is used toisolate the outer surface of the male drive from the metal shaft of themotor. Preferably, the insulating bushing is captured within the maledrive member, adding stability and limiting shear stresses in thebushing.

[0014] The blender base may be utilized with a number of differentcomponents, including a jar having an integral collar, a threaded jar, asingle serving beverage container, and a food processor. The jars mayinclude a nonstick coating, such as Teflon. One or more sensors may bepresent on the blender base to detect the presence of and type ofcontainer in which the mixing or processing will take place.

[0015] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, anovel blade unit is provided for a blender. The blade unit enablesimproved food processing and chopping capabilities. The blade unit ismounted on a blade base, and includes a generally U-shaped bladeassembly such as is used in contemporary blenders. In addition, theblade unit includes a second blade assembly that extends substantiallyradially to the driving axis of the blade unit. In an exemplaryembodiment of the present invention, a third blade assembly is providedthat is also generally U-shaped. In this exemplary embodiment, the firstblade assembly is arranged so that its blades extend upward, and thethird blade assembly is arranged so that its blades extend downward. Thesecond, radially-extending blade assembly is sandwiched between thefirst and third blade assemblies.

[0016] A detachment mechanism may be provided that permits a user toeasily detach the blade unit from its base. In addition, in accordancewith another aspect of the present invention, a cap for the jar isconfigured so that it fits into the blade base and can be used to removethe blade base from the jar.

[0017] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, asensor is provided that is arranged and configured to determine strainon the motor. For some routines that are executed by the blender base,if the strain exceeds a threshold, then the microcontroller instructsthe motor to reverse directions, permitting dislodging of blockingparticles.

[0018] Other features and advantages will become apparent from thefollowing detailed description when taken in conjunction with thedrawings, in which:

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019]FIG. 1 is a front, left, perspective view of a blender base andcontainer incorporating the present invention;

[0020]FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing a number ofcomponents that may be attached to the blender base of FIG. 1;

[0021]FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the blender base andblender container of FIG. 1, showing a blade base that connects to theblender base;

[0022]FIG. 4 is a back, left perspective view of the blender base ofFIG. 1;

[0023]FIG. 5 is a cutaway view taken along the line 5-5 of FIG. 4;

[0024]FIG. 6 is a bottom perspective view of a jar for the blendercontainer of FIG. 1;

[0025]FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of a lid and cap assemblyfor use with blender container of FIG. 1;

[0026]FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the blade base and blade unitshown in FIG. 3;

[0027]FIG. 9 is a side view of the top blade for the blade unit shown inFIG. 8;

[0028]FIG. 10 is a side view of the bottom blade for the blade unitshown in FIG. 8;

[0029]FIG. 11 is a top view of the middle blade for the blade unit shownin FIG. 8;

[0030]FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a blade unit utilizing anextraction mechanism in accordance with one aspect of the presentinvention;

[0031]FIG. 13 is a cutaway view of the extraction mechanism of FIG. 12,with the extraction mechanism shown in a released position;

[0032]FIG. 14 is a cutaway view of the extraction mechanism of FIG. 12,with the extraction mechanism shown in a locked position;

[0033]FIG. 15 is a bottom exploded perspective view of the blendercontainer of FIG. 1, with the cap of FIG. 7 shown aligned with the bladebase;

[0034]FIG. 16 is a partial cutaway of the bottom of the blender jar ofFIG. 1, showing a beginning step of inserting the blade base with thecap;

[0035]FIG. 17 is a partial cutaway, similar to FIG. 16, showing afurther step of inserting the blade base with the cap;

[0036]FIG. 18 is a partial cutaway, similar to FIGS. 16 and 17, showingfull insertion of the blade base with the cap;

[0037]FIG. 19 is an exploded perspective view showing how a singleserving beverage container attaches to a collar and fits onto theblender base of FIG. 1;

[0038]FIG. 20 is a side perspective view showing attachment of a foodprocessor to the blender base of FIG. 1;

[0039]FIG. 21 is a block diagram showing components that may be used toimplement the features of the blender base of FIG. 1;

[0040]FIG. 22 is a simplified circuit diagram for a motor that may beused with the blender base of FIG. 1;

[0041]FIG. 23 is a simplified circuit diagram for another motor that maybe used with the blender base of FIG. 1;

[0042]FIG. 24 is a simplified circuit diagram for yet another motor thatmay be used with the blender base of FIG. 1;

[0043]FIG. 25 shows a routine that may be implemented by the blenderbase of FIG. 1 to mix powdered drinks;

[0044]FIG. 26 shows a routine that may be implemented by the blenderbase of FIG. 1 to make batter;

[0045]FIG. 27 shows a routine that may be implemented by the blenderbase of FIG. 1 to form a milkshake;

[0046]FIG. 28 shows an example of a user interface that may be used onthe blender base of FIG. 1;

[0047]FIG. 29 shows a second example of a user interface that may beused on the blender base of FIG. 1;

[0048]FIG. 30 shows a third example of a user interface that may be usedon the blender base of FIG. 1;

[0049]FIG. 31 shows a method of operating the blender base of FIG. 1with the user interface of FIG. 28 in accordance with one aspect of thepresent invention;

[0050]FIG. 32 shows a method of operating the blender base of FIG. 1with the user interface of FIG. 29 or 30 in accordance with anotheraspect of the present invention;

[0051] FIGS. 33-37 show displays of some functions that may be presentedby the user interface of FIG. 29; and

[0052]FIG. 38 shows a method of enabling functions for a blender base inaccordance with a particular container sensed the blender base inaccordance with one aspect of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0053] In the following description, various aspects of the presentinvention will be described. For purposes of explanation, specificconfigurations and details are set forth in order to provide a thoroughunderstanding of the present invention. However, it will also beapparent to one skilled in the art that the present invention may bepracticed without the specific details. Furthermore, well-known featuresmay be omitted or simplified in order not to obscure the presentinvention.

[0054] Referring now to the drawing, in which like reference numeralsrepresent like parts throughout the several views, FIG. 1 shows ablender 30 incorporating many features of the present invention. Brieflydescribed, in accordance with one aspect of the invention and as is bestshown in FIG. 2, the blender 30 includes a blender base 32 that may beutilized with a number of different components, including a jar 34having an integral collar (hereinafter “collared jar 34”), a threadedjar 36, a single serving beverage container 38, and a food processor 40.As subsequently described, the blender base 32 is preprogrammed with aplurality of routines designed for particular food or drink items, forexample, by taking a particular sequence of motor commands (e.g.,direction of rotation, speed, duration or time of rotation, etc.) whichare automatically implemented based on the function (e.g., end result)selected by the user. Additionally, sensors may be present on theapparatus of the present invention to detect the presence of and type ofcontainer in which the mixing or processing will take place. Other novelfeatures of the present invention will become apparent below.

[0055] Turning now to FIG. 3, the blender base 32 includes four feet 42for placing the blender base on a surface such as a table. Rounded,tapered sides 43 lead to an attachment base 44. An attachment protrusion46 is mounted on the top of the attachment base 44, and includes taperedsides having alternating triangular-shaped concave surfaces 48 andconvex surfaces 50 (detail is further shown in FIG. 4). The upper outershell of the blender base 32 may be extruded as a single piece ofplastic, or alternatively may be cast as several pieces and assembled.In addition, the blender base may be formed of other suitable materials,such as metal, for example.

[0056] The concave surfaces 48 are configured so that their bases are atthe top of the attachment protrusion, whereas the convex surfaces 50 areconfigured so that their bases are at the bottom. The top 52 of theattachment protrusion 46 is flat, and includes a rotation lock 54 and amale drive element 56. The rotation lock 54 is preferably a maleprotrusion shaped like a fin. The male drive element 56 is shaped like agear and includes a number of teeth 58 (FIG. 4). In the embodimentshown, there are 16 teeth, but the male drive element 56 may be designedto have any number of teeth as appropriate.

[0057] The male drive element 56 is preferably formed of metal, and, asis subsequently described, a corresponding female drive element forcontainers that are attached to the blender base is also preferablymetal. The metal-to-metal contact ensures limited wear, a closetolerance fitting, and reduces the likelihood of broken parts. However,one problem that may be encountered with a metal-to-metal connection isthat, if an electrical motor is used, a user may experience shock fromvoltage flowing through the male drive element 56. To alleviate thisproblem, as can be seen in FIG. 5, the present invention utilizes aninsulating bushing 60 to insulate the male drive element 56 from a motorshaft 64. To do so, the male drive element includes an outer ring 62 andan inner metal attachment 63. The teeth 58 are mounted on the outside ofthe outer ring 62. The inner metal attachment 63 fits onto the motorshaft 64. The insulating bushing 60 is preferably formed of rubber,although any insulating material may be used.

[0058] The insulating bushing 60 is designed and arranged so that itfits fully inside the outer ring 62. In addition, the metal attachment63 is preferably designed and configured so that the metal attachmentfits fully within the bushing 60. This structure offers maximalstability, in that most shear stresses applied by the motor shaft 64 maybe uniformly transferred to the outer ring 62 through the bushing 60.Thus, a shear along the length of the bushing (i.e., top to bottom inFIG. 5) does not occur. Although variations of this structure may beused, it is preferred that the metal attachment 64 be at least partiallysurrounded by the outer ring 62, so that the outer ring and metalattachment's stiff structures may provide stability for the bushing 60,and so that shear forces in the bushing may be minimized.

[0059] A pair of first and second sensor switches 66, 67 (FIG. 4) areincluded at the junction of the top 52 and the convex and concavesurfaces 48, 50, the function of which is subsequently described. In theembodiment of the blender base 32 shown in the drawings, the first andsecond sensor switches 66, 67 are mounted on opposite side of the apexof one of the convex surfaces 50.

[0060] A user interface panel 68 is mounted on the front of the rounded,tapered sides 43. As described below, various user interfaces may bedisplayed on the user interface panel 68.

[0061] The blender base 32 is shown in FIGS. 1 and 3 with the collaredjar 34. However, as described above, the blender base 32 may be usedwith any number of different blending or processing units that may servedifferent or overlapping functions. In general, each blending orprocessing unit that is to be used with the blender base 32 includes acontainer and a blade assembly of some kind. The blender base 32includes a drive mechanism and attachment method that allows the blenderto be used with the different containers. As described subsequently,this container flexibility even allows the blender base 32 to operatepurely as a food processor, if desired.

[0062] The collared jar 34 is one example of a container that may beused with the blender base 32. The collared jar 34 is preferablygenerally cylindrical in shape, and includes a handle 70 and a pouringspout 72. The cylindrical shape promotes better mixing and minimizesaccumulation of food or materials that may occur in containers havingcross sectional areas with edges or corners. However, other shapes forthe container may be used.

[0063] The collared jar 34 can be made from glass, plastic, metal, orany other suitable, nontoxic material which can resist high stress.Additionally, the inside of collared jar 34 may be coated with non-stickcoating such as Teflon® and the like to allow for better mixing oreasier cleaning.

[0064] The sides of the collared jar 34 taper outward from a locationjust below the bottom juncture of the handle 70 and the sides, to boththe open top of the collared jar and the open bottom. The upper,tapered, shape promotes good blending and processing of items in thecollared jar 34, because it promotes flow of the items downward to thebottom of the collared jar.

[0065] The bottom end of the collared jar 34 is opened so that it fitsover the attachment protrusion 46 of the blender base 32. In thismanner, the bottom end of the collared jar 34 serves as a collar thatfits over the attachment protrusion 46 of the blender base 32. As can beseen in FIG. 6, the lower inside of the collared jar 34 includes ascalloped surface. The scalloped surface includes a series of concavetriangular sections 74 connected at their bases, with the basesextending along the bottom edge of the collared jar 34. Flat surfaces 76extend between the areas defined between the concave triangular sections74. The concave triangular sections 74 and the flat surfaces 76 arearranged and configured so that when the collared jar 34 is fitted ontothe attachment protrusion 46 of the blender base 32, the concavetriangular sections 74 fit over and against the convex surfaces 50 ofthe rectangular protrusion, and the flat surfaces 76 fit against theconcave surfaces 48 of the attachment protrusion. In this manner, thecollared jar 34 does not rotate when placed on the attachment protrusion46 of the blender base 32.

[0066] Markings 78 (FIG. 6 only) indicating various ingredient levelsfor recipes may be placed onto the collared jar 34 to assist the user.For example, there may be markings 78 on the collared jar 34 toillustrate the proper amounts of ice and liquid to use for making aparticular drink (e.g., a frozen margarita). Such markings 78 can be apermanent, such as by etching or embossing the markings on the collaredjar 78. Alternatively, the markings 78 may be removable (e.g., removablestickers) that are included with the collared jar 34, or that aresupplied separately to a user (e.g., with a recipe mix or the like).

[0067] A series of switch activators 80 (FIG. 6) are included on theinside surface of the collared jar 34. The switch activators 80 are maleprotrusions that are located just to one side of the junction of theconcave triangular sections 74 and the flat surfaces 76 and are alignedand configured so that one of the switch activators abuts and engagesthe second sensor switch 67 so the second sensor switch 67 is depressedwhen the collared jar is pressed into position against the attachmentprotrusion 46 of the blender base 32. By providing switch activators 80at each of these junctures, one of the switch activators is arranged toengage and depress the second sensor switch 67 upon placing the collaredjar 34 onto the attachment protrusion 46 of the blender base 32,regardless of how the collared jar is rotated relative to the blenderbase. The function of depressing the second sensor switch 67 isdescribed further below.

[0068] A lid 82 (FIG. 3) is provided that fits over the upper opening ofthe collared jar 34. As can best be seen in FIG. 7, the lid 82 includesflanges 84, made of rubber, TPE, or another suitable material, at abottom edge for snuggly fitting into the upper opening of the collaredjar 34. A central hole 86 extends through the center of the lid 82 andincludes tapered outer edges 88. The central hole 86 provides areceptacle through which ingredients, such as ice or liquids, may beadded to the collared jar 34.

[0069] A removable cap 90 fits into the central hole 86. The removablecap 90 includes finger grips 92, 94 at top, outer edges, for grippingthe cap and removing it from the central hole 86. A cylindricalextension 96 extends out of the bottom of the cap 90. The cylindricalextension 96 fits snugly into, and closes the central hole 86 in the lid82 when the cap 90 is placed in the lid. The cylindrical extension 96includes a series of notches 98 evenly spaced along its bottom edge, thefunction of which is described below.

[0070] An abutment surface 100 (FIG. 6) is provided above the scallopedinner surface of the collared jar 34, and is arranged to abut against atop surface 102 (FIG. 8) of a blade base 110. When inserted onto thecollared jar 34, the blade base 110 forms a sealed bottom for thecollared jar, and the two elements form an opened-top container.Although described as being removably attachable (i.e., by threads) tothe collared jar, the blade base 90 may be permanently or removablyattached to the bottom of the collared jar 34 or another container.However, providing a removable blade base 110 permits easier cleaning ofthe blender 30.

[0071] The blade base 110 includes a novel blade unit 112 that enablesthe blender 30 to have improved food-processing capabilities. The bladeunit 112 may include any number of blades, but preferably includes atleast one generally U-shaped blade assembly such as is used incontemporary blenders. In addition, the blade unit 112 includes a secondblade assembly that extends substantially radially relative to therotational axis of the blade unit.

[0072] The blade unit 112, as shown in an exemplary embodiment in FIG.8, includes a top or first blade assembly 114, a middle or second bladeassembly 116, and a third or bottom blade assembly 118. The bladeassemblies 114, 116, 118 may be made of any durable material such asmetal, steel, carbon, etc. which can be sharpened and withstand highstress and heat.

[0073] The top blade assembly 114 and the bottom blade assembly 118 arepreferably similar to conventional blender blade designs (i.e., one ormore generally U-shaped blades). In particular, as shown in FIG. 9, thetop blade assembly 114 includes a central, substantially flat base 120that extends generally radially with respect to the rotational axis ofthe blade unit 112. A first blade 122 extends at a first angle upwardfrom the base 120, and a second blade 124 extends at a second angle fromthe base. Providing the two blades 122, 124 at different angles from thebase provides enhanced blending and processing. Preferably, the blades122, 124 are formed integrally with the base 120.

[0074] The bottom blade assembly 118 (FIG. 10) also includes a base 130that extends generally radially with respect to the rotational axis ofthe blade unit 112. First and second curved blades 132, 134 arepreferably formed integral with the base 130, and extend downward andoutward from the ends of the base 130. The curved shape of the bladesenhances blending and processing, and permits the edges of the blades toextend to adjacent the bottom of the container formed by the collaredjar 34 and the blade unit 112. In this manner, blended and processeditems are dislodged and forced upward from the bottom of the container.

[0075] The middle blade assembly 116 has, for example, a food processorblade design (i.e., one or more blades that extend generally radiallyfrom the rotational axis of the blade unit 112). In an exemplaryembodiment shown in FIG. 11, the middle blade assembly 116 includes acentral base 136 and first and second blades 138, 140. The blades 138,140 are coplanar with the base 136 and are curved, but may be straightin alternate embodiments. The central base 136 and the first and secondblades 138, 140 are preferably integrally formed, but may be formed asseparate elements. In addition, the two blades 138, 140 may be provideon alternate bases, and may be spaced axially from one another so thatthey are not located in the same plane.

[0076] As subsequently described, the blender base 32 is preferablydesigned so that the blade unit 112 may be rotated in forward andbackward directions, and/or may be oscillated. If a reverse function isprovided, the blades 122, 124, 132, 134, 138, 140 may be sharpened onleading edges, and blunt on opposite edges, or may be sharpened on both(i.e., opposite) edges. In addition, if desired, one or more of theblades may be provided with different sharpened surface, such as aserrated edge, to enhance or change the cutting of the blades. Forexample, for the embodiment of the middle blade assembly 116 shown inFIG. 11, the blades 138, 140 include sharpened leading edges 142, 144,and blunt trailing edges 146, 148. As defined herein, the leading edgesare the edges that are forward (i.e., hit the blended items first) whenthe blade unit is traveling in the forward direction. The trailing edgesare the rearmost (i.e., hit the blended items last) parts of the bladeswhen the blades travel in the forward direction. Providing a blunt edgeon the trailing end has been found to enhance mixing when the blade unitis rotated in a reverse direction, whereas sharpening both edges hasbeen found to increase the cutting action of the blades and blendingwhen rotated in the reverse direction or oscillated.

[0077] The middle blade assembly 116 is sandwiched between the top bladeassembly 114 and the bottom blade assembly 118, and the three bladeassemblies are mounted on an upwardly extending rotational shaft 150. Assubsequently described, when the blade unit 112 and collared jar 34 areplaced on the blender base 32, the shaft 150 is rotated by the blenderbase 32, which in turn rotates the combined blade unit 112,

[0078] It has been discovered that including a food processor designblade (e.g., the middle blade assembly 116) in combination with one ortwo conventional blender design blades (e.g., the top blade assembly 114and the bottom blade assembly 118) enables the blender 30 to havesuperior chopping, cutting, and slicing capabilities. Specifically, thefood processor design blade often comes into contact with items that aremissed by conventional blender design blades. In addition, for thoseitems that are contacted, the food processor design blade hits them moredirectly, most likely because the blade is not at an angle with respectto the axis of rotation of the blade unit 112. The blade assemblies maybe spaced differently than they are spaced in the shown embodiment, butit has been found that locating the blade assemblies adjacent to oneanother in the sandwiched configuration provides these enhanced cuttingfeatures, and provides the least amount of interference for placing intothe container items that are to be blended.

[0079] The blade unit 112 may be permanently or removably attached tothe blade base 110, and in one embodiment is riveted to the shaft 150with a washer 152 (FIG. 8). For example, the end of the shaft may bedeformed using an orbital riveting process to lock the blade unit inplace, and the washer may be used to help hold the blade unit in place.In an alternate embodiment shown in FIGS. 12-14, the blade unit 112 mayinclude an optional extraction mechanism 160 that allows a user todisengage blade unit 112 from blade base 110. By removing the blade unit112, the container formed by the blade base 110 and the collared jar 34may serve as a pitcher, and the blade unit 112 may be easier to clean.

[0080] In an exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 12, the extractionmechanism 160 comprises a conical-shaped cap 162 that snaps over arotation shaft 164 for the blade unit 112. The conical-shaped cap 162may be made of rubber, plastic, or any other suitable nontoxic material.The conical-shaped cap 162 includes a hollow interior (FIG. 13) having alower, tapered surface 166 that extends downward to a narrowed, flatportion 168 at its lower surface. A spring 170 is mounted inside theupper end of the conical-shaped cap 162, and is arranged to pushdownward on a washer 172. A ball bearing 174. (or alternatively, aplurality of ball bearings) is captured inside the conical-shaped cap162 and below the washer 172.

[0081] To attach the extraction mechanism 160, the cap 162 is pressedonto the shaft 164. As the cap 162 is pressed downward, the ball bearing174 or bearings are swedged between the tapered surface 166 and theshaft 164 (FIG. 12). The spring 170 maintains the ball bearing. 174 inthis position, and the friction caused by the pressure of the spring 170pressing the ball bearing against the shaft keeps the cap 162 in place.If upward pressure is placed on the cap 162, for example by the bladeunit 112 or by a user trying to pull up on the cap, the ball bearing 174is further driven into the shaft 164 by the relationship of the taperedsurface 166 and the shaft.

[0082] To remove the cap 162, a user may press inward on the sides ofthe cap (FIG. 14), which drives the washer 172 up the tapered surface166 against the force of the spring. This movement releases the tensionplaced on the ball bearing 174, allowing it to roll freely into thespace defined by the tapered surface 166, the washer 172, and the shaft164. With the pressure and friction of the ball bearing 174 removed fromthe shaft 164, the user may then easily remove the cap 162 from theshaft.

[0083] Other extraction mechanisms may be used. For example, a pair oflock nuts may be used. However, an advantage of the described extractionmechanism 160 is that it does not require tools for a user to remove theblade unit 112.

[0084] As can be seen in FIG. 15, the bottom side of the blade base 110includes a female connector 180 that is designed to fit on the maledrive element 56. The female connector 180 is preferably formed ofmetal, so the male drive element 56 and the female connector may utilizea metal-to-metal connection as described above. The female connector 180is rotatably mounted in the blade base 110 and is fixed to rotate withthe shaft 150 (FIG. 8). The bottom side of the blade base 110 alsoincludes radially extending ribs 182.

[0085] The outer circumference of the blade base 110 includes a seriesof evenly spaced cam surfaces 184 (best shown in FIG. 8). The camsurfaces 184 include an indentation 186.

[0086] To mount the blade base 110, the blade base is grasped by a user(e.g., by the ribs 182), and is inserted into the bottom of the collaredjar 34 until the cam surfaces 184 extend between and beyond the switchactuators 80 on the collared jar and into contact with the abuttingsurface 100 (FIG. 17). A gasket 188 (FIG. 15), made of rubber or othermaterial, may be utilized to provide a snug fit of the blade base withthe abutting surface 100. The blade base 110 is then rotated until thecam surfaces 184 engage the switch actuators 80. As rotation continues,the cam surfaces 184 slide along the top of the switch actuators 80,gradually pressing the blade base 110 against the gasket 188, until theswitch actuators 80 are located in the indentations 186. The blade base110 is now in place, and the indentations prevent accidentaldisconnection of the blade base from the collared jar. The blade base110 may be removed by pushing the blade base in (effectively compressingthe gasket 188) to remove the switch actuators 80 from the indentations186, and the blade base is rotated and removed to move the switchactuators to a position where they are free of the cam surfaces 184. Theblade base 110 may then be pulled out of the bottom of the collared jar34.

[0087] As shown in an exemplary embodiment in FIGS. 15-18, the cap 90 isdesigned so that it may be used to disengage and remove the blade base110 from the collared jar 34. As described earlier, the cap 90 includesnotches 98. These notches 98 align with the ribs 182 on the blade base110 to form a fitted connection for easier disengagement (e.g., byturning) of the blade base 110 from the collared jar 34.

[0088] To remove the blade base 110 using the cap 90, the cap is removedfrom the lid 82 (e.g., by grasping the cap with the finger grips 92,94). The notches 98 are aligned with and inserted on the ribs 182, andthe user presses the cap forward into the bottom of the collared jar 34(FIG. 16) until the cam surfaces 184 extend between and beyond theswitch actuators 80 on the collared jar and into contact with theabutting surface 100 (FIG. 17). The user then rotates the cap 90 andblade base 110 to lock the blade base into position, as describedearlier. The cap may be similarly used to remove the blade base 110 fromthe collared jar 34.

[0089] When placed on the blender base 32, one of the ribs 182 on theblade base 110 engages the rotation lock 54. In this manner, the drivingaction of the male drive element 56 does not rotate the blade base 110off of the collared jar 34 when the motor rotates the blade unit in areverse direction.

[0090] As an alternative to the blade base 110 and the collared jar 34,an agitator collar 190 (FIG. 2) may be used with the blender base 32.The agitator collar 190 includes essentially the same features as thebottom portion of the collared jar 34 and the blade base 110. That is,the agitator collar 190 includes a blade unit 112A, a female drivemember, the scalloped inner surfaces that are found on the lower insideof the collared jar 34, and switch activators. However, in a preferredembodiment, the features of the blade base 110 are formed integrallywith the agitator collar 190, as opposed to the connection that is usedto attach the blade base 110 to the collared jar 34. In addition, theagitator collar 190 includes internal threads 192 (FIG. 19) at theupper, inside portion of the agitator collar.

[0091] The threaded jar 36 (FIG. 2) includes male threads 194 that matewith the internal threads 192 on the agitator collar 190. Otherwise, thethreaded jar 36 is configured similarly to the top portion of thecollared jar 34. The lid 82 and the cap 90 may be utilized with thethreaded jar 36, or another top may be provided. An advantage of thethreaded jar 36 is that it may be produced out of a different materialthan the collared jar 34, providing a user additional versatility. Forexample, the threaded jar 36 may be formed of glass, wherein thecollared jar could be formed of plastic. Another advantage is that theagitator collar 190 may be used with other containers, as describedbelow.

[0092] To use the threaded jar 36, the agitator collar 190 is threadedonto the male threads 194, and the combined agitator collar and threadedjar are mounted on the blender base 32. A gasket 195 may be used toassure a snug fit.

[0093] The single serving beverage container 38 (FIG. 2) may also beused with the agitator collar 190. To this end, the single servingbeverage container 38 includes male threads 196 at an upper end formating with the internal threads 192 on the agitator collar 190.

[0094] The single serving beverage container 38 (shown also in FIG. 19is slightly tapered along its length, and preferably is sized to fitinto a user's hand as well as a typical beverage holder in automobiles.A removable cap 198 (FIG. 2) is provided that may be screwed onto themale threads 196. The removable cap 198 may include a drinking hole,and/or may include a closure tab to avoid spillage.

[0095] To use the single serving beverage container 38, the cap 198 isremoved (if present), and beverage ingredients are placed in the singleserving beverage container 38. The agitator collar 190 is then screwedonto the male threads 196. A gasket 199 may be used to assure a snugfit. The single serving beverage container 38 and the agitator collar190 are then inverted (FIG. 19) and installed on the blender base 32.The beverage ingredients may then be mixed and/or blended by the blenderbase 32. The agitator collar 190 and the single serving beveragecontainer 38 are then removed, inverted, and the agitator collar isscrewed off of the single serving beverage container. The cap 198 maythen be screwed onto the single serving beverage container 38, and thesingle serving beverage container is ready for use.

[0096] The food processor 40 (FIGS. 2 and 20) may also be used with theblender base 32. To this end, the food processor 40 includes a drivecollar 200 that is configured much like the agitator collar 190 in thatit includes a female drive member, the scalloped inner surfaces that arefound on the lower inside of the collared jar 34, and switch activators.However, the drive collar 200 does not include the blade unit 112.Instead, a drive shaft 201 (FIG. 2) extends out of the center of thedrive collar 200 and is connected for rotation with the female drivemember. In addition, unlike the agitator collar 190, the switchactivators on the drive collar 200 are arranged and configured to engagethe first sensor switch 66 (whereas the switch actuators 80 on theagitator collar 190 and the collared jar 34 are arranged and configuredto engage the second sensor switch 67). The function of this differenceis subsequently described.

[0097] The remainder of the food processor 40 is of conventional design.The food processor 40 includes a food mixing tub 202 having a choppedfood exit chute 204, a mixing and chopping blade 206, and a lid 210. Thelid includes an entry port 212. A pressing tool 214 may be included topress food items through the entry port and into contact with the blade206.

[0098] In use, the drive collar 200 is mounted on the blender base 32,and the food tub 202 is placed over the drive shaft 201. The blade 206is placed on the drive shaft and is connected in a suitable manner. Thelid 210 is then placed over the food tub 202. Food may then be insertedand pushed through the entry port 212. If desired, additional blades maybe utilized that provide sweeping features so that the processed foodmay exit the food exit chute 204.

[0099]FIG. 21 is a block diagram showing a number of components that maybe used for operation of the blender base 32 in accordance with oneaspect of the present invention. As described in further detail below, auser interface 222 is provided that allows a user to operate the blender30 manually and/or select from various preprogrammed functionsavailable. The user interface 222 is connected to a microcontroller 224which includes, for example, a central processing unit (cpu) 226, a readonly memory 228 and a nonvolatile memory 230, such as electronicallyerasable programmable memory (“E² PROM”). However, although describedwith these specific components, the microcontroller 224 may include anysoftware or hardware components that enable it to perform the functionsdescribed herein. The microcontroller 224 is connected to or interfacedwith a power source 232, a motor 234, and a display 236.

[0100] The motor 234 is connected to the shaft 201 and its operationrotates the blade unit 112. The motor 234 may be unidirectional (capableof actuating or rotating the blade unit 3 in one direction only), orbidirectional (capable of actuating or rotating the blade unit 112 ineither direction). The motor 234 may additionally be capable ofoscillating the blade unit 112.

[0101] A simplified circuit diagram for one embodiment of a motor 234 ₁that may be used with the blender base 32 is shown in FIG. 22. The motor234 ₁ has a single wound field, and thus typically has only two leads.To reverse the motor 234 ₁, additional leads are provided from the motorthat separate the winding of the motor from the rotor of the motor. Onceseparated, reversing the wires on the rotor reverses the motor. Thecircuit shown in FIG. 22 utilizes a double pole double throw (DPDT)relay 240 to accomplish this function, and a triac 242 is used to forspeed control.

[0102] An alternative circuit for another single wound motor 234 ₂operating in a legitimate portion of the torque-speed curve such thatthe motor can cool itself. The sensor 254 sends a signal to themicrocontroller 224 if the motor is not operating in this portion. Themicroprocessor 224 may use this information to alter a routine beingoperated by the motor, as is subsequently described.

[0103] As can be seen in FIG. 21, the first and second sensor switches66, 67 are connected or interfaced to the microcontroller 224. Thesensor switches 66, 67 are configured to detect the presence of acontainer on the blender base 32, and to determine which type ofcontainer is placed on the blender base. To this end, themicrocontroller 224 can determine the presence of a container and/or thetype of container by the combination of switches 66, 67 that have beenactuated (e.g., by the switch actuators 80).

[0104] For example, the sensor switches 66, 67 may normally be in anopened position. In such an embodiment, the microcontroller 224 may beprogrammed such that, if none of the switches are closed, then theblender base 32 will not operate. If, however, one or both of the sensorswitches 66, 67 is closed (e.g., by the switch actuators 80), thespecific switch or switches that are closed indicate to themicrocontroller exactly what container or type of container is on theblender base 32. As an example, when the collared jar 34 is placed onthe blender base 32, the sensor actuators 80 depress the second sensorswitch 67. Similarly, sensor actuators on the actuator collar 190depress the second sensor switch 67 when the actuator collar is placedon the blender base. In contrast, when the food processor 40 is placedon the blender base 32, the first sensor switch 66 is depressed. Yetanother container might engage and depress both the sensor switches 66,67. As subsequently described, the microcontroller 224 may use thecontainer information to provide particular functions for the blenderbase 32, or even to provide relative information on the display 236.

[0105] The sensor switches 66, 67 may be any kind of mechanical orelectrical switch, which sends a signal or command, or closes/opens acircuit when actuated. Various sensor technologies (e.g., infrared,electrical, mechanical) may be used. Likewise, the switch actuators(e.g., the switch actuator 80) may be any configuration or technologythat is necessary to trigger the sensor switches. In addition, more thantwo sensors may be used so that additional containers may be sensed. Asingle sensor may even be used that provides multiple functions (e.g.,the blender base 32 does not operate if the sensor is not depressed, afirst container presses the sensor one amount and sends a first signalto the microprocessor, and a second container presses the sensor asecond amount and sends a second signal to the processor.

[0106] As previously discussed, for the embodiment of the collared jar34 shown in the drawing, a plurality of switch actuators 80 are providedso that the collared jar may be attached to the blender base 32 from anydirection and still trigger the proper sensor switch 67. As analternative, a plurality of sensor switches, and only one actuator maybe used, or a sensor switch and the corresponding actuator may becentrally located. In any event, it is preferred that, regardless thetype of switch, the switch may be actuated if the respective containeris placed on the blender base 32 in a variety of orientations.

[0107] Read only memory 228 is preprogrammed with various motor commands(e.g., direction of rotation, speed, duration, reversing of rotation,oscillation, etc.) designed to achieve a particular result. Thepreprogrammed motor commands are grouped together according to afunction of the blender (e.g., the end result or purpose for which theblender will be used). For example, a first memory section 260 maycontain a program with all the motor commands necessary to make salsa,and a second memory section 262 may contain a program with all the motorcommands necessary to mix a drink, etc. These preprogrammed motorcomments or routines may be written using any conventional programminglanguage such as c plus, java, and the like.

[0108] The following is an example of a routine that works particularlywell for salsa: SALSA High Speed, Forward Pulse: 1 second High Speed,Reverse Pulse: 1 second Repeat 29 times

[0109] The above sequence has been found to produce salsa havingingredients thoroughly chopped, but none chopped so much as to make thesalsa too fine. By alternating the forward and reverse pulses, thelikelihood of food items being brought into contact with the bladesincreases. By having only short bursts of the chopping, the salsa is notmade too fine. Although the above process has been found to work well,variations, such as increasing the number of bursts, or the length ofthe bursts, may be made for particular tastes (e.g., chunky salsa,different ingredients, etc). The first memory section 260 maintainsinstructions for the blender base 32 so that it may implement the aboveroutine.

[0110] Examples of other routines are shown in FIGS. 25-27. Thesefigures show example preprogrammed routines 264, 266, and 268 for makingpowdered drinks, batter, and milkshakes, respectively. Although theshown processes have been found to work well for their intendedpurposes, it can be understood that the processes shown are examples andvariations of blender routines may produce similar results. The routines264, 266, and 268 are written as executable instructions for the blenderbase 32, and are stored in discrete data sections of the read onlymemory 228. As subsequently described, the preprogrammed routines may beaccessed and implemented upon selection on the user interface 222 of therelated desired function for the blender base 32.

[0111]FIGS. 28, 29, and 30 illustrate exemplary embodiments for userinterfaces 222 ₁, 222 ₂, 222 ₃ which may be used with the blender base32. One type, shown in FIGS. 29 and 30, includes a liquid crystaldisplay (“LCD”) 270. A second type, shown in FIG. 28 may use one or morelight emitting diodes (“LED”) 272. Features that are common to the threeuser interfaces 222 ₁, 222 ₂, 222 ₃ will be explained first, followed bya description of the differences between the user interfaces.

[0112] A power switch 274 is included on the LCD and LED variants of theuser interface 222 to turn on or off the power. A start/stop switch 276is also included to begin or stop operation of the blender.

[0113] A pulse switch 278 is provided that, when depressed, causes atemporary power surge to motor 234. In this manner, the pulse switch 234serves as a temporary “start” button that will cause the motor to run,without hitting start/stop switch 276, as long as the pulse switchremains depressed. The pulse switch 278 also can be depressed afterrunning a preprogrammed routine to run a continuation segment of thepreprogrammed routine. To this end, the E² PROM 230 includes programmingwhich stores information about the last operation run, and if thatoperation is a preprogrammed routine, the E² PROM may select anappropriate speed or operation to perform when pulse switch 278 isdepressed. For example, for a given preprogrammed routine (e.g., salsa),a continuation operation may be stored in read only memory 228 (e.g.,forward pulse, 1 second, followed by reverse pulse, one second). Thecontinuation function runs upon activation of the pulse switch 278.Alternatively, the last speed and motor direction utilized by thepreprogrammed routine may be stored in E² PROM 230, and that operationmay be temporarily continued when a user pushes the pulse switch 278after a program has ended. In any event, the continuation functioncontinues to operate until the pulse switch 278 is released.

[0114] A pause/resume switch 279 may be used to stop the operation(e.g., a preprogrammed routine) of the blender when pressed a firsttime. The pause/resume switch 279 resumes operation of the blender fromwhere it left off when pressed a second time.

[0115] The user interfaces 222 ₁, 222 ₂, 222 ₃ also include manual speedswitches 280 (high) and 282 (low) so that the user can manually controlthe speed and operating time of the blade unit 110 to perform otherfunctions not preprogrammed into the blender. If desired, a motor speedindicator may be provided for the user interfaces 222 ₂ and 222 ₃ sothat the user can monitor the relative speed of the motor (e.g., therelative speed of the rotation of blade unit 110) on the LCD 270 as themanual speed switches 280 or 282 are pressed. Such relative speed may beindicated by text, bars, symbols, or the like. With the LED-based userinterface 222 ₁, the relative speed of the motor may be indicated by theposition of the lighted LEDS 272 relative to speed markers 284 (e.g.,high, low; drink, food; etc.), or alternatively by the relative blinkingspeed of a lighted LED.

[0116] A plurality of preprogrammed function switches 286 are includedon the LED-based user interface 222 ₁ s of FIG. 28. The functionswitches 286 represent various programs for functions or end resultsthat have been preprogrammed into the read only memory 228, as describedabove. For example, pressing or touching a function switch 290 labeled“salsa” will cause microcontroller 224 to access memory section 260 ofread only memory 228 for the program containing preprogrammed motorcommands used to make salsa, and the preprogrammed commands (e.g., thecommands described above) are executed by microcontroller 224 to controlthe speed, pause time, and/or direction of the motor 234. To alert theuser which function or program is running, a LED 292 can light up on theparticular function switch 286 that was pressed.

[0117] The LED-based variants user interface 222 ₁ shown in FIG. 28 mayinclude a progress indicator 294 that indicates the relative completionof the program by color, lighted LED, or other suitable indicationmeans.

[0118] As described above, the user interfaces 222 ₂ and 2223 utilizethe display 236, such as a liquid crystal display (LCD) 270 or anothertype of display. In such an embodiment, the E² PROM 230 storesuser-selectable parameters for the initial operation of the blender base32. When the blender base 32 having an LCD 270 is turned on, the LCD 270is initialized and set up in accordance with the stored programming fromthe E² PROM 230. Additionally, E² PROM 230 may include programming thatallows the text in the LCD 270 to be displayed in multiple languages(e.g., English, Spanish) or units (e.g., metric, English).

[0119] The E² PROM 230 may further include subsequent storage ofinformation in order to organize the LCD menu, for example based on themost commonly selected functions or programs (e.g., the creation of a“favorites list”). Alternatively, the E² PROM 230 may maintain a mostrecently used list so as to present recently-used functions or programs.

[0120] In an exemplary embodiment of a LCD-based user interface shown inFIG. 29, a plurality of function switches 300 are used to choose thevarious functions or programs for the blender. Here, the functionswitches 300 are lined up to correspond to a preprogrammedfunction/program displayed on the LCD 270 ₁. To select the programdisplayed on the LCD 270 ₁ screen, the user only need to press thecorresponding function switch 300.

[0121] In another exemplary embodiment of a LCD-based user interface 222₃ as shown in FIG. 30, navigation switches 302 are used to choose thevarious functions or programs for the blender. The navigation switches302 are directional buttons (e.g., back, forward, up, down, or arrowsymbols) that allow the user to navigate the LCD 270 ₂ screen until aparticular function/program is selected using the select switch 304. Aprogress indicator, and/or a manual speed indicator, may appear on theLCD 270 ₂ screen.

[0122] The various switches described with reference to the userinterfaces 222 ₁, 222 ₂, 222 ₃ may be any kind of push button, membrane,or touch sensitive buttons or switch known in the art which sends asignal or command, or closes/opens a circuit when pressed or touched bythe user. In addition, if desired, the display 236 may be atouch-sensitive screen, whereby a user may input operation functions bytouching the screen. Additional control methods may also be used, suchas voice-recognition programs, remote controls, or other features.

[0123] The microcontroller 224 may be programmed to implement onlycertain functions based on which container is detected by sensors 66,67. For example, the microcontroller 224 may be preprogrammed toimplement the motor commands for making powdered drinks only if aregular blender or single serving container (e.g., via the agitatorcollar 190) is placed on the blender base 32. Thus, if the sensors 66,67 detect a food processor container on the blender base 32, then themicrocontroller 224 will not allow the powdered drinks program/functionto be selected and implemented. In such a circumstance, if the userwants to make powdered drinks with a food processor container, the usermay do so manually using the manual speed switches 280 and 282.

[0124] The sensors 66, 67 and the microcontroller 224 may also be usedto determine what items are displayed on the display 236. For example,if a mixing container (e.g., the collared jar 34 or a combination of theagitator collar 190 and an attached container) is sensed by the sensors66, 67, then the microprocessor instructs display of preprogrammedroutines for mixing containers.

[0125]FIG. 31 shows a process for operating the blender base 32 with theLED-based user interface 222 ₁ in accordance with one aspect of thepresent invention. Beginning at step 310, the user first turns on thepower by pressing the power switch 274 ₁. After a container and bladeunit (e.g., the collared jar 34 and the blade unit 112) have beenproperly secured to blender base 32, and food or drink is loaded intothe collared jar, the user then selects a function/program for theblender base at step 312 by pressing any of the various functionswitches 286. If there is a particular function switch that is notavailable (e.g., no preprogrammed motor controls for that function), theuser can manually control the motor with manual speed switches 280 and282. Additionally, a preset function switch 286 may not work if thesensors 66, 67 detect an incompatible type of container for thatfunction. Manual speed switches 280 and 282 could be used in thatsituation as well. An LED 292 on the selected function switch 286 lightsup to indicate to the user the current selection.

[0126] Once a function is successfully chosen, the start/stop switch 276₁ is pressed at step 314 to begin the programmed operation. Themicrocontroller 224 runs the motor 234 based on the preprogrammed motorcommands stored in read only memory 228 for that selected function orprogram. As described above, preprogrammed motor commands may includeinstructions on, for example, how fast the motor will run, the directionof blade rotation, the reversal of the blade rotation direction, theduration of rotation in a given direction, the oscillation of the bladeunit, etc. A soft start program 330 (FIG. 21) in the microcontroller 224may be provided to control or slow the acceleration of the motor 234 toa desired speed for better processing or mixing than prior conventionalblenders where the motor accelerates to the maximum speed as fast aspossible.

[0127] As motor 234 runs during operation step 316, the progress of theprogram is displayed on the progress indicator 294 while themicrocontroller 224 continues to execute the preprogrammed motorcommands. If desired, the sensor 254 may be used to determine if thespeed of the motor 234 has exceeded a threshold amount relative to themotor's torque-speed curve (step 318). If so, the microcontroller 224may instruct the motor 234 accordingly. For example, the microcontroller224 may instruct the motor to shut down. However, in accordance with oneaspect of the present invention, for some preprogrammed routines, suchas those that involve crushing and cutting of ice, the microcontroller224 may instruct the motor to momentarily reverse direction, therebypossibly dislodging the cause of the strain on the motor (step 320). Theprocess may then proceed back to operation (step 316). If desired, themicroprocessor may try only a set amount of times (e.g., twice) toreverse and dislodge the motor 234.

[0128] At step 322, the pause/resume switch 279 ₁ may be pressed by theuser to temporarily stop the blender operation. The program remains ineffect, but the implementation of the preprogrammed motor commands issuspended and the status stored so that when the pause/resume switch 26is pressed again at block 35, the microcontroller 15 at operation block36 will simply resume the program from where it left off. Thus, forexample, if the program contained a preprogrammed motor command torotate the motor at 60 rps for ten seconds, and the pause/resume switch26 is pressed at step 322 five seconds into the program, then when thepause/resume switch 26 is pressed again at block 35, the motor willresume rotation at 60 rps for another five seconds before ending theprogram.

[0129] If the operation has not been paused, then the program simplycontinues until all of the preprogrammed motor commands for thatfunction or program are fulfilled at step 324. A termination tone maysound to alert the user of the program completion. If the user is notsatisfied with the result and would like to continue the same programfor an arbitrary time period, the user may depress the pulse switch 278₁ after the program ends.

[0130] The user can then turn off the blender at step 326, or begin theprocess again at step 314 by loading new materials into the collared jar34 and then selecting a function/program.

[0131]FIG. 32 illustrates a logic flowchart for the operation of theblender base 32 with an LCD-based user interface 222 ₂ or 222 ₃, inaccordance with one aspect of the present invention. The power is firstturned on at step 332 by pressing power switch 274. A menu of options(FIG. 33) is then displayed on the LCD 270 at step 334. A standard menumay appear each time the power is turned on, or the menu may varydepending on which container is placed on the base 2 as detected bysensors 66, 67. For example, if sensors 66, 67 identify a blendercontainer (e.g., the collared jar 34) on the blender base 32, then theLCD menu 270 may display blender functions (e.g., a choice betweendrinks or food, as shown in FIG. 33) instead of food processor functions(e.g., fruits, vegetables, etc.) The menu may also include an option forchoosing which language or measurement unit to display. Additionally,the menu may be set up depending on the functions or programs mostfrequently selected by the user. As described earlier, E² PROM 230 maybe programmed to remember the most popular selections and to displaythem at the start of each operation for the user to choose.

[0132] At step 336, the user navigates through the LCD menu using thenavigation switches 302 and makes selections using the select switch304, or the user simply makes a selection using the function switch 300.If a particular function is not available on the menu, the user maymanually control the motor with manual speed switches 280 and 282. Afunction may not be displayed if the preprogrammed motor controls forthat function are not available, or if that function is not availablefor the type of container detected by sensor 66, 67.

[0133] In any event, in the examples shown in FIG. 33, “Drinks” arechosen by the user, which navigates the user to a screen (FIG. 34) wherethe user is shown a number of types of drinks that may be mixed by theblender. After choosing “frozen drinks,” the user is navigated to ascreen (FIG. 35) showing particular drinks. The user selects“Margarita.”

[0134] In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, the readonly memory includes recipes and/or instructions for blending orprocessing certain items of food or drinks. The recipe is presented tothe user in step 338. An example of a recipe for a margarita is shown inFIG. 36. The user may then select “done” to go forward with thepreprogrammed routine for the margarita.

[0135] Once a function is chosen, the start/stop switch 276 is thenpressed at step 340 to begin the operation. The microcontroller 224 thenruns the motor 234 based on the preprogrammed motor commands stored inread only memory 228 for that selected function/program.

[0136] As the motor 234 runs at operation step 342, the progress of theprogram is displayed on the LCD 270 (FIG. 37) while the microcontroller224 continues to monitor and implement the preprogrammed motor commands.As described earlier, the microcontroller 224 may also be programmedwith an enhanced speed control for the motor as well as a sensorcontrol.

[0137] At step 344, the pause/resume switch 279 may be pressed totemporarily stop the program (e.g., suspending the currentimplementation of preprogrammed motor commands). The status of thesecommands are stored by E² PROM 230 so that when the pause/resume switch279 is pressed again at step 340, the microcontroller 224 at operationstep 342 will simply run the program from where it left off.

[0138] If the operation has not been paused, then the program simplycontinues until all of the preprogrammed motor commands for thatfunction are fulfilled at step 346. A termination tone may sound toalert the user of the program completion. If the user is not satisfiedwith the result and would like to continue the same program for anarbitrary time period, the user may depress the pulse switch 278 afterthe program ends.

[0139] At the end of the program, the LCD 270 returns to step 334 todisplay the menu again and the user may proceed with another operation.Alternatively, the user may turn off the blender base 32 at step 348.

[0140] In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, as aroutine is running, a user may activate one of the manual speed buttons280, 282. Preferably, doing so causes the motor speed for each operationduring the routine to increment. The amount each step increments may bedetermined based upon how long the manual speed buttons are depressed.Alternatively, the motor speed may be changed for only the particularsegment of the routine that is currently operating. Preferably, thechanges are not recorded to the read only memory 228 so that the routineoperates in the original modes (e.g., speeds) when the routine issubsequently selected. Alternatively, a programming or similar buttonmay be provided to permanently save the changes.

[0141] Preferably, in accordance with one aspect of the presentinvention, the blender base 32 includes an audible tone indicator 349(FIG. 21) that is associated with the microcontroller 224. The audibletone indicator may be a buzzer, a bell, a whistle, a recording of ahuman voice or the like, that gives an audible tone when the programmedroutines are complete, when the user needs to add ingredients to arecipe, or anytime that the user presses a button for simple feedback.

[0142]FIG. 38 shows a process for setting possible operations of theblender base 32 in accordance with the particular container (e.g.,blender container or food processor container) located on the blenderbase. Beginning at step 350, the sensors 66, 67 determine the presenceof a container on the blender base 32. If the container is a blendercontainer (e.g., the collared jar 34 or the threaded jar 36), then step352 branches to step 354, where the microcontroller enables blenderroutines for the blender base 32. As described earlier, this may, forexample, involve displaying the routines on the LCD user interface 222 ₂or 222 ₃, or making blender function buttons available and active on theLED user interface 222 ₁. In addition, some other processes, such asfood processor routines, may be disabled or not available (step 356).

[0143] In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, themanual speed range for the blender base may be determined by the type ofcontainer present on the blender base 32. For example, the manual speedrange may be higher for a blender container, and lower for a foodprocessor container, so that the respective blades of these twocontainers may operate at their standard speeds. Thus, in accordancewith this aspect of the present invention, the manual speed of blenderbase is set to blender at step 358.

[0144] If the container is not a blender container, step 352 branches tostep 360, where a determination is made if the container is a foodprocessor container. If so, step 360 branches to step 362, where foodprocessor routines are enabled. Likewise, some routines, e.g., blenderroutines, may be disabled (step 364). The manual speed of the blenderbase 32 is set to the food processor range in step 366.

[0145] If the container is neither a blender container or a foodprocessor container, then step 360 branches to step 368, where themicrocontroller handles accordingly. For example, a separate type ofcontainer may be utilized with the blender base 32, and routines and/ora particular speed range may be available for that type of container.

[0146] Other variations are within the spirit of the present invention.Thus, while the invention is susceptible to various modifications andalternative constructions, a certain illustrated embodiment thereof isshown in the drawings and has been described above in detail. It shouldbe understood, however, that there is no intention to limit theinvention to the specific form or forms disclosed, but on the contrary,the intention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions,and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention, asdefined in the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A blender base, comprising: an attachmentconfigured to receive at least two different types of containers; and asensor system on the blender base, the sensor system for detecting thetype of container on the attachment.
 2. The blender base of claim 1,wherein the sensor system comprises a plurality of sensors, each sensorcapable of separate actuation, and wherein the sensor system detects aparticular type of container by the combination of actuated andnon-actuated sensors.
 3. The blender base of claim 2, furthercomprising: a motor associated with the blender base for operating theblender; and a microcontroller associated with the sensor system and themotor.
 4. The blender base of claim 3, wherein the microcontroller isconfigured such that the motor is not capable of operation if at leastone of the sensors is not actuated.
 5. The blender base of claim 3,wherein the microcontroller comprises a plurality of preprogrammedroutines and is operative to retrieve and implement one of the pluralityof preprogrammed routines based on the sensor system detecting a firstcontainer is present on the blender base.
 6. The blender base of claim5, wherein the microcontroller is operative so that at least one of theplurality of preprogrammed routines is not operative based on the sensorsystem detecting the first container is present on the blender base. 7.The blender base of claim 6, wherein the wherein the microcontroller isoperative to retrieve and implement the at least one of the plurality ofpreprogrammed routines based on the sensor system detecting a secondcontainer is present on the blender base.
 8. The blender base of claim2, wherein containers that fit onto the blender base include at leastone actuator for actuating at least one of the sensors.
 9. The blenderof claim 8, further comprising a first container that comprises a firstactuator for actuating a first sensor of the sensor system.
 10. Theblender of claim 9, further comprising a second container that comprisesa second actuator for actuating a second sensor of the sensor system.11. The blender of claim 9, wherein the first container is capable offitting on the blender base in a plurality of orientations, and whereinthe first container comprises a plurality of actuators arranged so thatat least one actuator may actuate the first sensor when the container isin the variety of orientations.
 12. An attachment for placing on ablender base, comprising: a base for fitting onto a blender base that isconfigured to receive at least two different types of containers, theblender base comprising a sensor system, the sensor system for detectingthe type of container on the blender base; and an actuator for actuatingthe sensor system.
 13. The attachment of claim 12, wherein theattachment comprises a container.
 14. The attachment of claim 13,wherein the container comprises a food processor.
 15. The attachment ofclaim 13, wherein the container comprises: a jar for a blender, and ablender blade unit.
 16. The attachment of claim 12, further comprising ablender blade unit.
 17. The attachment of claim 12, wherein the sensorsystem of the blender base comprises a plurality of sensors, each sensorcapable of separate actuation, and wherein the actuator actuates atleast one of the plurality of sensors when the attachment is on theblender base.
 18. The attachment of claim 12, wherein the attachment iscapable of fitting on the blender base in a plurality of orientations,and wherein the attachment further comprises a plurality of actuatorsarranged so that at least one actuator may actuate the first sensor whenthe container is in the variety of orientations
 19. A blade unit for usewith a blender, comprising: a first blade assembly having a generallyU-shaped configuration with first and second blades on distal ends ofU-shaped configuration, and wherein the first and second blades on thefirst blade assembly extend at an angle to a radial axis of the bladeunit; and a second blade assembly having a first and second blades thatextend substantially radially to the radial axis.
 20. The blade unit ofclaim 19, wherein the blades of the first blade assembly extend upwardwhen the blade unit is placed on a blender base for the blender.
 21. Theblade unit of claim 19, wherein blades of the first blade assembly aresharpened on leading edges, and are blunt on trailing edges.
 22. Theblade unit of claim 19, wherein blades of the first blade assembly aresharpened on leading edges, and are sharpened on trailing edges.
 23. Theblade unit of claim 19, further comprising a third blade assembly havinga generally U-shaped configuration with first and second blades ondistal ends of U-shaped configuration, and wherein the first and secondblades on the third blade assembly extend at an angle to a radial axisof the blade unit.
 24. The blade unit of claim 23, wherein the secondblade assembly is mounted between the first and third blade assemblies.25. The blade unit of claim 24, wherein the second blade assembly ismounted adjacent to the first and third blade assemblies.
 26. The bladeunit of claim 23, wherein the wherein the blades of the first bladeassembly extend upward and the blades of the third blade assembly extenddownward when the blade unit is placed on a blender base for theblender.
 27. The blade unit of claim 26, wherein the second bladeassembly is mounted adjacent to and between the first and third bladeassemblies.
 28. The blade unit of claim 23, further comprising anextraction mechanism for releasing the blade unit from a blade base. 29.The blade unit of claim 28, wherein the extraction mechanism permits therelease of the blade unit without the use of tools.
 30. The blade unitof claim 29, wherein the blade unit is mounted on a shaft, and whereinthe extraction mechanism comprises a cap mounted on the shaft, whereinsqueezing of the cap permits removal of the cap and the blade unit. 31.The blade unit of claim 19, further comprising an extraction mechanismfor releasing the blade unit from a blade base.
 32. The blade unit ofclaim 31, wherein the extraction mechanism permits the release of theblade unit without the use of tools.
 33. The blade unit of claim 32,wherein the blade unit is mounted on a shaft, and wherein the extractionmechanism comprises a cap mounted on the shaft, wherein squeezing of thecap permits removal of the cap and the blade unit.
 34. A blade base andunit for a blender comprising: a blade unit; a blade base; and anextraction mechanism for releasing the blade unit from the blade base.35. The blade base and unit of claim 34, wherein the extractionmechanism permits the release of the blade unit without the use oftools.
 36. The blade base and unit of claim 35, wherein the blade unitis mounted on a shaft that is attached to the blade base, and whereinthe extraction mechanism comprises a cap mounted on the shaft, whereinsqueezing of the cap permits removal of the cap and the blade unit. 37.A blender base comprising: a reversible motor; a user interface; and amicrocontroller in communication with the motor and the user interface,and comprising memory, the memory including preprogrammed motor routinesassociated with a plurality of predetermined functions, at least one ofthe motor routines including both forward and reverse functions of themotor; wherein the microcontroller is operative to retrieve the at leastone preprogrammed motor routine from the memory in response to userselection of an input associated with the at least one of thepreprogrammed motor routines, and operates the motor in both the reverseand forward directions based on the preprogrammed motor routines. 38.The blender base of claim 37, wherein the user interface comprises aplurality of function switches associated with the preprogrammed motorroutines and a light emitting diode for each of the plurality offunction switches, the light emitting diode illuminating when arespective one of the plurality of function switches is activated. 39.The blender base of claim 37, wherein the user interface includes aprogress indicator.
 40. The blender base of claim 37, wherein the userinterface includes a first manual speed switch, a second manual speedswitch, and a manual speed indicator.
 41. The blender base of claim 40,wherein the manual speed indicator comprises at least one light emittingdiode which is responsive to actuation by the first manual speed switchor the second manual speed switch.
 42. The blender base of claim 37,wherein the user interface includes a display.
 43. The blender base ofclaim 42, wherein the microcontroller is operative to display a menu offunctions on the display.
 44. The blender base of claim 43, wherein themicrocontroller is operative to display a menu of most commonly chosenfunctions on the display.
 45. The blender base of claim 43, wherein theuser interface includes a plurality of function switches, eachassociated with one of the functions shown on the display.
 46. Theblender base of claim 37, further comprising a sensor assembly disposedin the blender base operative to detect a container on the base, andwherein the microcontroller is operative to retrieve and implement arespective one of the preprogrammed motor routines upon detection of thecontainer.
 47. The blender base of claim 37, wherein the user interfaceincludes a pause switch and the microcontroller is operative to pausethe program and resume the program in response to activation of thepause switch.
 48. The blender base of claim 37, wherein the userinterface includes a pulse switch and the microcontroller is operativeto operate the motor in a continuation function for a routine inresponse to activation of the pulse switch after the routine has beenrun.
 49. The blender base of claim 48, wherein the continuation functioncomprises the last motor speed and direction of the motor in theroutine.
 50. The blender base of claim 48, wherein the continuationfunction comprises an operation stored in the memory and associated withthe routine.
 51. The blender base of claim 48, wherein the continuationfunction comprises both forward and reverse rotation of the motor. 52.The blender base of claim 37, wherein the nonvolatile memory is an E²PROM.
 53. A blender base, comprising: a drive for rotating a blade unit;and a dual-wound motor configured to rotate the blade unit in reverseand forward directions.
 54. The blender base of claim 53, furthercomprising speed controls for setting the speed of the motor in both thereverse and forward directions.
 55. The blender base of claim 54,wherein the speed controls comprise at least one triac.
 56. A blenderbase comprising: a motor; a user interface; a display; and amicrocontroller in communication with the motor and the user interface,and comprising memory, the memory including preprogrammed motor routinesassociated with a plurality of predetermined functions, themicrocontroller being operative to retrieve the at least onepreprogrammed motor routine from the memory in response to userselection of an input associated with the at least one of thepreprogrammed motor routines.
 57. The blender base of claim 56, whereinthe microcontroller is operative to display a progress indicator on thedisplay.
 58. The blender base of claim 56, wherein the microcontrolleris operative to display a menu of at least some of the preprogrammedroutines on the display.
 59. The blender base of claim 58, wherein themicrocontroller is operative to display a menu of most commonly chosenroutines on the display.
 60. The blender base of claim 58, wherein theuser interface includes a plurality of function switches, eachassociated with one of the routines shown on the display.
 61. Theblender base of claim 56, further comprising a sensor assembly disposedin the blender base operative to detect one of a plurality of differentcontainers on the base, and wherein the microcontroller is operative toretrieve and implement a respective one of the preprogrammed motorroutines upon detection of the one container.
 62. The blender base ofclaim 56, wherein the display comprises a liquid crystal display.
 63. Ablender base comprising: a motor; a user interface; a microcontroller incommunication with the motor and the user interface, and comprisingmemory, the memory including preprogrammed motor routines associatedwith a plurality of predetermined functions, the microcontroller beingoperative to retrieve the at least one preprogrammed motor routine fromthe memory in response to user selection of an input on the userinterface associated with the at least one of the preprogrammed motorroutines; and a pause switch on the user interface, the microcontrollerbeing operative to pause the program and resume the program in responseto activation of the pause switch.
 64. A blender base comprising: amotor; a user interface; a microcontroller in communication with themotor and the user interface, and comprising memory, the memoryincluding preprogrammed motor routines associated with a plurality ofpredetermined functions, the microcontroller being operative to retrievethe at least one preprogrammed motor routine from the memory in responseto user selection of an input on the user interface associated with theat least one of the preprogrammed motor routines; and a pulse switch onthe user interface, wherein the microcontroller is operative to operatethe motor in a continuation function for a routine in response toactivation of the pulse switch after the routine has been completed. 65.The blender base of claim 64, wherein the continuation functioncomprises the last motor speed and direction of the motor in theroutine.
 66. The blender base of claim 64, wherein the continuationfunction comprises an operation stored in the memory and associated withthe routine.
 67. The blender base of claim 66, wherein the continuationfunction comprises both forward and reverse rotation of the motor.
 68. Ablender base comprising: a motor; a user interface; a display; and amicrocontroller in communication with the motor and the user interface,and comprising memory, the memory including information regarding anumber of recipes, the microcontroller being operative to retrieve arecipe from the memory in response to user selection of an inputassociated with the recipe and to display the recipe on the display. 69.The blender base of claim 68, wherein the memory comprises preprogrammedmotor routines associated with the recipes, the microcontroller beingoperative to retrieve a respective preprogrammed motor routine from thememory in response to user selection of an input on the user interfaceassociated with the associated recipe.
 70. The blender base of claim 69,wherein the microcontroller is configured to generate an audible toneupon completion of the routine.
 71. The blender base of claim 69,wherein the preprogrammed routine includes a pause in which ingredientsshould be added, and wherein the microcontroller is configured togenerate an audible tone at the pause.
 72. The blender base of claim 68,wherein the blender base is configured to receive at least two differentcontainers, and further comprising a sensor assembly disposed in theblender base operative to detect a particular container on the base, andwherein the microcontroller is operative to retrieve and implement arespective one of the recipes upon detection of the container.
 73. Ablender base comprising: a reversible motor; a sensor associated withthe motor; and a microcontroller in communication with the sensor andthe motor, the microcontroller being operative to reverse the directionof the motor in response to the sensor sensing a predetermined strain inthe motor.
 74. The blender base of claim 73, wherein the microcontrolleris operative to reverse the direction of the motor for a first period oftime, and then reverse the motor back to an original operatingdirection.
 75. The blender base of claim 73, wherein the microprocessorcomprises memory, and wherein the memory comprises preprogrammed motorroutines, the microcontroller being operative to retrieve a respectivepreprogrammed motor routine from the memory in response to userselection of the respective preprogrammed motor routine.
 76. The blenderbase of claim 75, wherein the microcontroller is operative to reversethe direction of the motor in response to the sensor sensing apredetermined strain in the motor during operation of one of thepreprogrammed motor routines.
 77. A container for use with a blender,comprising: a jar; a blade base removably attachable to the jar; a lidwith an opening therethrough, the lid adapted to fit over the jar; and acap configured to fit into the opening, the cap being capable of forminga connection with the blade unit to disengage the blade unit from thejar.
 78. The container of claim 77, wherein the cap includes a top and aprojection extending from the top, the projection comprising a pluralityof notches for engaging the blade unit.
 79. The container of claim 78,wherein the blade base includes ribs that are engaged by the notches.80. A container for use with a blender comprising ingredient markingsthat represent fill lines for particular ingredients that are to addedfor a recipe that is to be mixed in the blender.
 81. The container ofclaim 80, wherein the ingredients comprises ice and a fluid.
 82. Thecontainer of claim 81, wherein the recipe comprises ingredients for afrozen drink.
 83. The container of claim 80, wherein the ingredientmarkings are removable from the container.
 84. A container for use witha blender, comprising a jar having a interior non-stick surface.
 85. Thecontainer of claim 84, wherein the non-stick surface comprises Teflon.86. A blender comprising: a blender base have a drive unit and a maledrive member that is driven by the drive unit, the male drive membercomprising metal; and a blade base comprising a blade unit and a femaledriven member, the female driven member configured to rotate with theblade unit and to fit over the male drive member, the female drivemember comprising metal.
 87. The blender of claim 86, wherein the driveunit comprises a shaft, and further comprising an insulating bushing forattaching the drive shaft to the male drive member.
 88. The blender ofclaim 87, wherein the male drive element comprises upper and lowersurfaces, and wherein the bushing extends at least partially between theupper and lower surfaces.
 89. The blender of claim 88, wherein the shaftextends into the bushing, and at least partially between the upper andlower surfaces.
 90. The blender of claim 89, wherein the bushing ismounted substantially between the upper and lower surfaces.
 91. Acontainer for use with a blade base, comprising: a drinking containerhaving a first interface at its top; a blade base having a blade unitthereon and a second interface thereon, the second interface configuredto mate with the first interface, the blade base and the drinkingcontainer forming a sealed container; and a drinking cap having adrinking hole and a third interface, the third interface configured tomate with the first interface.
 92. The container of claim 91, whereinthe drinking container comprises a closed bottom that is opposite thetop.
 93. A method of mixing ingredients in a drinking container,comprising: placing ingredients in a drinking container; attaching ablade base to the drinking container; inverting the blade base anddrinking cup; placing the blade base on a blender base and operating theblender base to mix the ingredients in the drinking cup; removing theblade base and drinking cup from the blender base; inverting the bladebase and drinking cup; and removing the blade base from the drinkingcup.
 94. The method of claim 93, further comprising attaching a drinkingcap to the top of the drinking cup.
 95. A blender and food processorsystem, comprising: a blender base comprising a drive unit; a blendercontainer comprising a blade base for attaching to the blender base andhaving a blender blade unit, wherein operation of the blender base whenthe blade base is on the blender base causes operation of the blenderblade unit; a food processor container having a food processor base forattaching to the blender base, and including a food processor bladeunit, wherein operation of the blender base when the food processor baseis on the blender base causes operation of the food processor bladeunit.
 96. The blender and food processor system of claim 95, furthercomprising a sensor on the blender base for determining whether the foodprocessor container or the blender container is mounted on the blenderbase.
 97. A blender base, comprising: a blender base configured toreceive at least two different types of containers; a sensor system onthe blender base, the sensor system for detecting the type of containeron the blender base; a motor associated with the blender base foroperating the blender; a microcontroller associated with the sensorsystem and the motor, wherein the microcontroller is configured suchthat the motor is capable of operation within a first specified range ifa first container is detected by the sensor system to be on the blenderbase, and is capable of operation within a second specified range is asecond container is detected by the sensor system to be on the blenderbase.
 98. The blender base of claim 97, wherein the microcontrollercomprises a plurality of preprogrammed routines and is operative toretrieve and implement one of the plurality of preprogrammed routinesbased on the sensor system detecting the first container is present onthe blender base.
 99. The blender of claim 98, wherein themicrocontroller is operative so that at least one of the plurality ofpreprogrammed routines is not operative based on the sensor systemdetecting the first container is present on the blender base.
 100. Theblender of claim 99, wherein the wherein the microcontroller isoperative to retrieve and implement the at least one of the plurality ofpreprogrammed routines based on the sensor system detecting the secondcontainer is present on the blender base.
 101. The blender of claim 97,wherein the first container is a blender container.
 102. The blender ofclaim 101, wherein the second container is a food processor container,and wherein the second range having a fastest motor speed that is lessthan a fastest motor speed of the first range.
 103. A blender basecomprising: a reversible motor; a user interface having a manual speedselector; a microcontroller in communication with the motor and the userinterface, and comprising memory, the memory including preprogrammedmotor routines associated with a plurality of predetermined functions;wherein the microcontroller is operative to retrieve the at least onepreprogrammed motor routine from the memory in response to userselection of an input associated with the at least one of thepreprogrammed motor routines, and operates the motor based on thepreprogrammed motor routines; and wherein the microcontroller isoperative to increment each of the functions in a routine responsive toa user actuating the manual speed selector during operation of theroutine.
 104. A blender base comprising: a reversible motor; a userinterface; and a microcontroller in communication with the motor and theuser interface, and comprising memory, the memory includingpreprogrammed motor routines associated with a plurality ofpredetermined functions; wherein the microcontroller is operative toretrieve the at least one preprogrammed motor routine from the memory inresponse to user selection of an input associated with the at least oneof the preprogrammed motor routines, and operates the motor based on thepreprogrammed motor routines; and wherein the microcontroller isconfigured to generate an audible tone upon completion of the at leastone preprogrammed motor routine.